Appalachian Blessings

When the Waiting’s Over (you still have to wait)

About a decade ago I began seriously writing. I didn’t have a clue what would be involved in being published, but I figured the first step was to write something that could be published. Good plan.

Then, once I finished that first manuscript, I began to stick one toe and then another into the publishing world. And the waiting began. The waiting for feedback from critique partners, agents, editors, contests, and so on. The waiting for replies to e-mails. The waiting for responses on queries and proposals. Waiting for the pub board to make a decision. Waiting for the contract to arrive. Waiting for edits. Waiting for the publication date. And then I held my book in my hands and the waiting . . .

. . . had only begun.

Now I’m waiting for reviews. Waiting for sales numbers. Waiting for blog posts and interviews so I can wait to see if they have any impact. Waiting for edits on book #2. Waiting for cover art. Waiting to finish book #3 so I can go through all the waiting all over again.

Waiting to see what God will do with the words I’ve written.

Back when I thought all I was waiting for was a published book, I heard writers talk about how the work really begins once you think you’ve reached your goal. They were right.

In the NIV Bible the word “wait” is used 129 times. Noah waited for the waters to recede. Abraham waited for a son. The Jews waited for the Messiah. And after the waiting? Work and waiting for the next thing.

When I started this blog, I chose a verse–Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” I thought one day I’d change that verse, pick something that fit the next phase of my journey. But it turns out that’s the perfect verse. There’s always something more to wait for. At least there is this side of Heaven.

So wherever you are in your journey, be strong. Take heart. Wait for the Lord. He has big plans for you!